CHAPTER 4

North is always filled with ice and snow, such a cold nation; but not just the weather but the heart of Lord Drayco as well. In a way, though the future Duke has long since grown used to it; this winter has made everything harder for the Northernians especially those who are newly resident of North and the visitors,

too.

“My Lord Drayco, there you are,” the voice called out to him from outside his study when he realized that the door was not fully shut. The voice sounded like a woman. “I was worried about you. I had to check up on your chambers; because I thought you were there, but here you are.” Lord Drayco looked up to see the figure standing in front of his door.

Worried face greeted the future Duke, showing its thick above shoulder length straight brown hair and bright hazel eyes. But that did not stop Lord Drayco to continue his internal works that he needed to finish within this day. It didn’t matter at all because his thoughts were already darted on another place.

“What do you want, Miss Savesis?” Lord Drayco asked, not even looking at her; still checking on the receipts that were requested by the Grand Duke yesterday.

She sighed heavily, yet proud and delighted for the future Duke remembered her name. It’s not every day and every time a visitor would come and the future Duke would recall their name.

“Well, if you don’t want to talk to me I can leave you alone. But I thought we might…talk about some things that needed to be discussed.” she said slowly while twirling her side bang with her fingers. Miss Savesis Bolinsky is from the House of Bolinsky Miners, she is one of the candidates of Lord Drayco’s future wife that has been chosen by the 7th Grand Duke itself. Although Lord Drayco is against with this idea of his father, the Grand Duke; he must not disobey him for he is still the Grand Duke, after all.

“We haven’t been able to get a chance to talk alone, it was so difficult with everyone around; they kept interrupting us, and you wouldn’t answer any tea invitations at all.” Lord Drayco finally turned around to look at Miss Bolinsky.

“What do you need?” Miss Bolinsky took a deep breath.

“You see I am trying to make my way into Lord Drayco’s heart, well, I am hoping —“ Miss Bolinsky was cut off when the door opened and Young Lady Eleiss entered the room with a book in her arms. “May I speak to my Father?” The 4 year old Eleiss Dragnar asked, looking straight to Miss Bolinsky’s eyes full of hidden fury.

“You need not to ask permission, my daughter”, said Lord Drayco and immediately stood up from his chair. “Come here, come here”, he uttered repeatedly and reached for the 4 year old little girl. She gave no hesitation, went directly to his side and climbed on his lap.

Lord Drayco hugged his daughter tightly and kissed her forehead. Miss Bolinsky was speechless; Young Lady Eleiss could feel that Miss Bolinsky was jealous of her. “Do you need help, Young Lady?” Miss Bolinsky asked and walked closer to Lord Drayco and the 4 year old little girl on his lap trying to show the book to his father. “I asked for my father, not you.” She replied and that stunned Miss Bolinsky for a second.

Miss Bolinsky chuckled and said half-jokingly “It seems the Young Lady does not like me, My Lord. What should we do?” The happiness that was visible to Lord Drayco’s eyes was gone as he frowned.

“We?” He exclaimed and raises both of his brows. “No,” Lord Drayco answered firmly and looked straight to Miss Bolinsky who seemed surprised.

“Have I offended you My Lord?” Lord Drayco shook his head and looked into Miss Bolinsky’s eyes. “Why should we discuss this matter together? I do not need you in our home. You can go now.” With that, he stood up from his chair while carrying the Young Lady and left his study room.

As soon as he left the room, Miss Bolinsky burst out in laughter; she laughed for a whole minute, then composed herself and ran downstairs to follow Lord Drayco and his daughter.

“My Lord!” she said running towards him and bowed to him. “I am sorry for upsetting you,” she said smiling. “Your daughter,” and Miss Bolinsky pointed to the Young Lady Eleiss, “she is such a curious child,” and she smiled again. Lord Drayco ignored her completely. The 4 year old Eleiss was confused by everything going on with Miss Bolinsky’s head.

“What exactly do you want, Miss Bolinsky?”  Lord Drayco snapped angrily. “Is this some sort of joke?”

“No, My Lord,” Miss Bolinsky assured him quickly. “If there’s anything you want from me please tell me; I can be of help.” Miss Bolinsky added.

“I do not need anything from you.” Mr. Drayco snapped.  “And I will never accept what you have to offer.” That made Miss Bolinsky shocked.

“The only reason I accepted the idea of my father having candidates here in my Grand Estate is because he is still the Grand Duke; nothing more.” Lord Drayco said.

“If any of you ladies ever decide to make a foolish move on my siblings especially my daughter, I will not hesitate to have your head removed from your neck. Is that clear?” Lord Drayco’s tone became deadly serious as he finished talking. Miss Bolinsky remained silent.

After minute, a servant came running up the stairs with a frightened expression. “My Lord, the guests and Lady Louette and Young Lord Jazheb have arrived”, the servant saluted him with respect.

“Please follow me, My Lord; your presence is required in the main hall.” Said the servant and bowed to Lord Drayco. Lord Drayco gave an annoyed glance to Miss Bolinsky before walking down the stairs to the main hall, carrying his daughter.

When the family members and servants entered the hall, Lord Drayco took a quick glance around to spot his younger siblings and cousins. Then he spotted the unfamiliar green hair of a lady that almost looked like a tribe warrior. He narrowed his eyes to find her eyes. They met hers and Lord Drayco felt the power coming from them. And Lord Drayco knew why the lady felt that way about him too. She would be a formidable opponent indeed if they ever got on to battle.

‘She might have potential on battlefield, but too far from defeating any of my siblings, let alone me’ he thought before dismissing his thoughts away and turning his attention back to the guests and servants sitting on their chairs.

Lord Drayco sat down on the seat next to Eleiss at the grand table and Lord Drayco turned towards Eleiss. “How are you holding up, dear Eleiss?” He asked his 4 year old daughter, concerned; yet not showing it on the outside.

“I don’t know,” she answered simply without meeting anyone’s eyes. “But I’m sure that I’ll get used to it eventually,” Eleiss continued.

“Do you really have to marry someone you do not even know?” She asked in a low tone, trying not to get their attention. Beside Eleiss is her Aunt, Lady Louette who is busy speaking with her uncle, Lord Jazheb.

“Eleiss,” Lord Drayco began, “I do not intend to marry any of these ladies. Let’s start with that” He added.  Lady Louette smiled to see the way Lord Drayco spoke to his 4 year old daughter. Lord Drayco turned his eyes over to Lord Jazheb who has a smirk on his face. “Do not say anything, Jazheb.” Lord Drayco warned him, giving him a hard glare that made Lord Jazheb turn away from him with his shoulders raised in surrender.

After a few seconds, Grand Duke arrived with his servants. Following the entrance of Miss Savesis Bolinsky. “I apologize for being late; I have no excuses for that.”

Grand Duke sat to the huge silver chair three meters away from where they are seated. “We all know the reasons why you’re here; after all I have included everything in the letter you wanted to know.” Grand Duke said.

“My eldest son, the future Duke of North is now 25 years old and does not wish to follow our family tradition by marrying his biological sister or any of our blood relatives. That is why I have summoned you ladies whom I believe has the chance to capture my son’s heart.” He paused and they all could see Lord Drayco’s expressions to the Grand Duke’s words, how disgusted he was hearing his father say those. “Now, of course he was against with my idea, until now. But I am still the Grand Duke and he has to follow my rules.”

“I only picked three ladies,” He cleared his throat and continued speaking, “Warrior Princess Lazintha from The Warrior Tribe” The green haired lady stood up and bowed, not smiling nor looking to the eyes of all the Dragnars.

“Lady Savesis from the House of Bolinsky Miners, and the new Viscountess Lozchalle, Lady Julhana Lozchalle.” The rest of the ladies rose and bowed to the Grand Duke and the North’s President. Lord Drayco was so focused on the book Eleiss had earlier, he did not notice that Miss Bolinsky had already stood up from her

seat and walked toward Lady Louette to shake hands with her. “You are beautiful as always My Lady,” said Miss Savesis, bowing politely.

After shaking hands with Lady Louette who was obviously confused by her actions, she returned to her seat and looked at the other three women, waiting for any sign. There was none though. She could feel the stares of everyone staring at her and tried to avoid the entire gaze. Lady Savesis felt embarrassed by her own action. After all the pressure, the pressure that was put upon her, she was nervous to face all of these people. She tried to calm herself down and focused on Lord Drayco, but his stare did nothing to make it easier. She felt intimidated and didn’t know how to react.

“Thank you ladies for coming and all of you will stay here until my son has chosen a wife for him, and during your stay you will be under the care and protection of North as you try to build a relationship with the future Duke of North.” The Grand Duke announced. Everyone nodded in agreement. They were surprised that the North has not yet chose one among them, but none of them cared. All they wanted from the Grand Duke and North is for them to get married.

“As you may also know, the North will hold an annual meeting with the Northern Lords together with you house representatives for alliance and politics.” Lord Drayco’s Secretary added.

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